In a turn of events that stirred the hearts of music aficionados worldwide, Shankar Mahadevan, celebrated music composer and singer, and renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain’s collaborative ensemble, Shakti, clinched the Best Global Music Album award at the star-studded Grammys 2024. The triumph is not just a personal milestone for the artists involved but also a prestigious accolade for the realm of global music and a proud moment for their homeland, India.
Mahadevan, taking to social media post-victory, shared a cascade of evocative photographs from the Grammy Awards ceremony, offering his followers a glimpse into the grandeur and emotion of the evening. Accompanied by an image of himself gloriously holding the coveted golden gramophone, Mahadevan’s post was a deeply personal reflection on the journey leading to this monumental success.
In his heartfelt Instagram post, he mused, “I never imagined that a band from where I have learned my music and my musical aesthetics would be the band with whom I would eventually perform and win a Grammy. This is the moment from which I can easily say that dreams do come true. Shakti was a dream which came true! Thank you Almighty for making this happen! It’s truly ‘THIS MOMENT’.”
Mahadevan’s triumphant news swiftly spread like wildfire across the industry, drawing acclaim and hearty congratulations from fellow celebrities and fans alike. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, adding to the chorus of congratulations, noted the achievement as “Well deserved… Sooo happy for you, great achievement for the country too.” Eminent television actress Amruta Khanvilkar echoed the sentiment, thanking Mahadevan for “bringing this honour to our country.”
Vocalist Vishal Dadlani and actor-director Farhan Akhtar also extended their hearty felicitations, with Dadlani highlighting the pride that India felt and Akhtar cheering on the first of potentially many more Grammys to come for Mahadevan. Singer Sonu Nigam expressed his reverence by acknowledging the divine blessings bestowed upon Mahadevan for his talent and innate goodness.
The grand event witnessed an impassioned Mahadevan gracing the stage to deliver his acceptance speech. With profound gratitude, he recognized his fellow band members, divine grace, his supportive family and friends, and his cherished homeland, India. In an intimate gesture, Mahadevan humbly dedicated the award to his wife, the muse to every melodic note he has ever composed. This dedication was met with a wave of cheer and admiration from the audience, showcasing the wider impact of Mahadevan’s artistic journey.
‘This Moment’, the album which garnered the Grammy win, is a rich tapestry of sonic brilliance, showcasing eight exquisite tracks. The collective prowess of guitar legend John McLaughlin, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, Mahadevan’s dynamic vocals, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan coalesce into a masterpiece that transcends cultural and musical boundaries.
This historical win at the Grammys for Shakti is a testament to the global appreciation and relevance of fusion music, brilliantly intersecting the rich heritage of Indian classical with the contemporary sensibilities of jazz and world music. It’s a reflection of artistic excellence, embodying a beautiful confluence of talent and cultural synthesis that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The reverberations of this win will inspire countless artists and enthusiasts across the globe, reminding them that music is a universal language capable of uniting hearts and transcending barriers. In a world eagerly seeking connection, the accomplishment of Shakti at Grammys 2024 serves as a beacon of hope and affirmation that indeed, dreams can come true.
